RRI.CO.ID, Medan - The Sumatra Region Environment and Forestry Law Enforcement Center (Gakkum), in collaboration with the North Sumatra Regional Police, successfully seized 22 kg of scales from the protected Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica) in Medan, North Sumatra, on April 2, 2026.

As reported by gakkum.kehutanan.co.id, authorities arrested two individuals, identified as DA (35) and WA (18). Both have been named suspects and are currently detained at the Medan Class 1 Detention Center.

The operation was initiated following public reports regarding suspected illegal trade of protected wildlife parts on Jalan Veteran Pasar, Medan Deli Subdistrict. Upon arriving at the scene, the joint team intercepted DA, who was carrying a brown cardboard box containing a white sack filled with pangolin scales.

During the intervention, another individual, BS, was spotted on a red Nmax motorcycle monitoring the surroundings. While officers secured BS and DA, a third suspect, WA, attempted to resist and flee the scene before being apprehended by the team.

The suspects and the evidence were subsequently transported to the Section I Office of the Sumatra Region Forestry Law Enforcement Center in Medan for further processing.

Following a formal investigation and a case review coordinated with the Bureau of Coordination and Supervision of Civil Servant Investigators (Korwas PPNS) of the North Sumatra Police, DA and WA were officially charged. Meanwhile, BS has been designated as a witness for the time being.

The suspects are charged under Article 40A paragraph (1) Letter f in conjunction with Article 21 paragraph (2) letter c of Law No. 32/2024 concerning the Conservation of Living Natural Resources and their Ecosystems. The legal framework also refers to Government Regulation No. 7/1999 regarding the Preservation of Plant and Animal Species.

Furthermore, the charges are linked to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Regulation No. 106/2018 and Article 20 of Law No. 1/2023 (the New Criminal Code). If convicted, the suspects face a maximum prison sentence of 15 years and a fine of up to IDR 5 billion (USD 293,685.75).

Head of the Sumatra Region Gakkum Center, Hari Novianto, emphasized that his team is intensifying the investigation to uncover potential "intellectual actors" behind the syndicate. This effort aims to dismantle the illegal trade network of pangolin scales within North Sumatra.

"This operation is a testament to Gakkum Forestry's commitment to taking decisive action against those committing crimes against protected flora and fauna in North Sumatra. We hope this serves as a significant deterrent to others," he concluded. ***